Job Vacancy We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to work as part of a team to provide commercial legal advice and assistance across all aspects of the Council’s business. The post will be based in Fairfield House, Dalkeith although hybrid working will be available. We will also consider applications from graduates in Scots law who have a diploma in legal practice (preferably including public administration). Trainee solicitors will undergo a full range of CPD, training and study (PEAT 2) prior to developing their career in the hugely varied and professionally rewarding local authority environment. A trainee solicitor would be recompensed at Grade 4 (£29,586.06 to £30,713.14) during the traineeship but would be moved onto Grade 7 on qualification. KNOWLEDGE It is essential that the postholder possesses a Law degree, post graduate Diploma and a practicing certificate from the Law Society. Organisational knowledge, interpersonal skills, an understanding of public sector legal issues. The jobholder should be aware of the initiatives which affect council services in order to be aware of the pressures and influencing factors on the client before giving legal advice. CLOSING DATE - Wednesday 28th January 2026 INTERVIEW DATE - Week beginning 9th February 2026 Job Advert Position Title: Assistant Solicitor - Commercial Directorate: Place Location: Hybrid/Midlothian House Contract Status: Permanent Hours of Work: 36 Working Pattern: Monday – Friday Weeks per year: 52 Please note that it is Midlothian Council’s policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on you working 36 hours over 52 weeks per year the minimum actual salary for this position is £39,128.74 per annum. Requirements Compliance with the mandatory Cabinet Office PSN (Public Sector Network) Code of Connection requires the Council to meet a baseline personal security standard. This requires completion of a disclosure check for all employees who can access official information. The fee for this PSN Disclosure check will be met by the council. Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost. Additional Information Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.